Photography: Obey Giant vs. WK Interact by bopuc

There’s much to be said about comments but this post will deal with them from the perspective of trying to share your blog’s content with more people.

Bloggers often comment on other blogs in the hope that the owner and readers of the other site will click back to their own blog. This post discusses ways in which you can maximize the chances of a curious click-through occurring.

1. Use the space effectively
Short of guest posting, a comment is ultimately a chance to write on someone else’s blog. Don’t waste this opportunity with a one word answer or echo the rest of the crowd (’Great job!’, ‘Good post,’ and so on). Realize that you have the chance to say something meaningful rather than simply adding to the noise.

2. Be different
If you think the link to your site alone will do all that’s needed to attract readers, think again. Comment threads on popular blogs are generally stuffed with dozens of comments, many of them linking back to their own sites. Why should a reader click on your link rather than someone else’s?

Each potential visitor needs to believe that your comments show you have something new to offer. Parrotting the rest of the comment-crowd - even if they share your thoughts - won’t do this. There’s always another angle to take or a new way to express yourself.

3. Expand on the content
Let’s say the author of the blog you’re commenting on has written a post about the best independently published graphic novels of 2007. You read it and realize that the author’s made a glaring omission. Rather than simply leaving a comment that says ‘Your list sucks!’ take the time to explain what you think is missing and why (without being obnoxious).

In doing so, you’re demonstrating your own expertise on the subject and providing new content that builds on the original article. This is the kind of comment that will get others genuinely interested in what you have to say.

4. Don’t link to your own posts
Even if you’ve posted on the exact same topic before resist the temptation to include the URL in your comment. Blatantly advertising your own blog content in another blogger’s space is bad form. Besides, that’s what trackbacks are for. You do know how to use them, don’t you?

5. Don’t be aggressive
Aggressive comments reflect badly on the author and won’t make people feel good about you. Even if someone’s written something you strongly object to, which will happen occasionally, don’t resort to insulting the author. Use your comment as a chance to prove the author wrong and state your case in an intelligent, measured manner. You’re demonstrating expertise and will attract the interest of readers who agree with you (and a few who don’t!).

6. Write carefully
Paying attention to spelling and grammar shows that you care about what you write. You don’t have to be the national spelling champion or grammar award winner, but showing that you’ve made an effort to write well will encourage people to take you seriously. It seems petty, but consider how little information people have to judge you by on the internet. First impressions really do count.

7. Engage with other commenters
Addressing the post and its author alone alienates you from the discussion which often goes on amongst commenters. Though you should certainly reference the original post, don’t shy away from engaging with other commenters as well. Answer their questions, ask them questions, evaluate their comments, expand on what they’ve said. Remember to indicate who you’re addressing when you do this, otherwise it can get confusing.

When a conversation starts with someone it’s natural want to know about who you’re talking to. Every commenter you engage with in a meaningful way is a likely candidate to go and investigate your web presence.

8. Most importantly, be genuine
Don’t comment when you feel you have nothing to say, simply for the sake of bringing yourself to the attention of others. You might think you’ve thought of something which sounds appropriate, but if it’s not genuine, people will be able to tell. How can you expect them to be enthusiastic about the content you’re creating when you yourself aren’t?